Text: This video is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is not intended to provide professional medical advice or any other professional service. If medical or other professional assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Audio: Opening Theme Music

Text: Banner Health Presents: Ask the Expert

Text: Gracie Chavez Correspondent Banner Health

Image: Gracie Chavez, on-camera, interviews Dr. Bowen.

Audio: “Hi Dr. Bowen. Thank you for joining us today. What is a high risk pregnancy?”

Audio: “It is one in which the health of the mother or the baby may be at some risk because of a certain condition involved in that pregnancy.”

Image: Gracie Chavez, continues interviewing on-camera.

Audio: “What are some factors that might cause a high risk pregnancy?”

Text: High Blood Pressure Seizure Disorders HIV or Hepatitis History of Problems in Prior Pregnancies History of Family Conditions

Image: Elton Bowen, MD, answers.

Audio: “Diabetes, high blood pressure, less common things like seizure disorders, infections such as HIV or hepatitis, history of problems in prior pregnancy which could happen again in their current pregnancy, history of family conditions, which could put their baby at risk for genetic or other anatomical problems.”

Image: Gracie Chavez, on-camera, continues her questioning.

Audio: “If a woman has a high risk pregnancy, does she need to be taken care of by a specialist?”

Text: Variety of Different Circumstances Some Conditions Handled By Obstetrician Other Conditions Will Involve Specialist

Image: Elton Bowen, MD, answers.

Audio: “A patient would need to be referred to a specialist for high risk care under a variety of different circumstances. For example there are some high risk conditions that the general Obstetrician will be able to handle on their own. There are other conditions in which the high risk specialist, or Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist, will be involved but not providing the routine day-to-day care and their general obstetrician will deliver the baby.”

Image: Gracie Chavez, on-camera, asks:

Audio: “What are some ways that a high risk pregnancy can be prevented?”

Audio: “Following the guidelines for good prenatal care can help decrease the risk of a high risk pregnancy. For example: seeing your doctor for regular visits, getting the scheduled lab testing that needs to be done, getting the scheduled ultrasounds that are recommended.”